James Dyson pledges £6million to Malmesbury C of E Primary School

The James Dyson Foundation announced it is pledging £6million to Malmesbury C of E Primary School, to drive the school’s expansion plans and fund a new STEAM centre to educate the engineers and scientists of tomorrow. 

Generally, the teaching of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) is separated in school. A STEAM centre would encourage the arts and sciences to be taught side-by-side so pupils can see how the knowledge gained from one discipline can be used in a creative way in another – an approach Sir James Dyson strongly believes in, as he believes it will lead to more children choosing to pursue engineering and science.  

The James Dyson Foundation inspires the next generation of engineers, and a STEAM centre would be built as part of Malmesbury C of E Primary school’s planned expansion, with close collaboration with Dyson. The school’s plans also include seven new classrooms and a school hall. The development could eventually allow for a 50% increase in the school’s student population size, totalling 630 pupils across all age groups.

Sir James Dyson, Founder of Dyson, says: “Dyson has grown in Malmesbury for the past 30 years and many of our engineers either studied at Malmesbury School themselves or have their own children there now. We have long supported the school and simultaneously been on a mission to inspire more engineers all around the world. The creation of a new STEAM centre, right here in Malmesbury, will enable the school to be a pioneer for this age range, encouraging problem-solving and hopefully long lives as engineers!”

Steve Heal, Headteacher at the school, says: “Malmesbury C of E Primary School is thrilled to have the James Dyson Foundation’s support to expand our school so that we can meet the growing needs of the town, and bring wonderful new learning opportunities to all our pupils. The level of support we would receive from the James Dyson Foundation is unprecedented in the state primary sector.”